LOSTOCK captain Geoff Earle is remaining grounded after his side progressed to the semi-finals of the Hamer Cup in their maiden Bolton League season.

The former Bolton Association side defeated Adlington by nine wickets to book their spot in the last four.

Rob Holgate's stunning seven-wicket haul for 30 runs had the Huyton Road outfit bowled out for 117 – Majid Majeed top scoring with 30.

Opener Holgate then turned his hand to the bat and knocked 34 not out. Jaydyn Simmons also scored 34 and Peter Flanagan ended with 32no as the target was achieved within 12 overs.

Skipper Earle claims that, despite the impressive victory, his side are just taking it one game at a time.

“It was a superb win in difficult conditions,” he said. “We are delighted to get through to the semi-finals but we have not achieved anything yet.

“We will give this competition a good go and see what happens.

“I've not even looked who else is left in the competition to be honest, we are just taking it one game at a time and will see where it leads us.

“Rob (Holgate) was excellent. He changed the game with his bowling and then batted for two thirds.

Farnworth Social Circle also booked their place in the last four with a resounding nine-wicket win against Blackrod.

Dave Mather (4-28) and Jay Chhana (4-20) starred with the ball as the Vicarage Road side were dismissed for 83 – Joe Speak was the only batter of note, hitting 23.

Opener Tim Barrow fell for five runs, but David Tonge (49no) and Jake Scicluna (21no) batted their team to victory.

Little Hulton will complete their match against Astley Bridge next Sunday after rain forced the match to be postponed after the first innings.

The Old Vicarage Ground outfit are chasing a score of 247.

Kearsley batted the first innings of their quarter-final clash with Walkden before rain caused the match to be abandoned.

Faisal Zeeshan Hussain top scored with 33no as the Springfield Road side posted a target of 163-8, but the game will now be replayed from the start on Sunday.

Results

Farnworth Social Circle 84-1 Blackrod 83, Farnworth Social Circle won by 9 wkts.

Kearsley 163-8 Walkden dnb, match will be replayed on Sunday.

Little Hulton dnb Astley Bridge 247, Little Hulton will bat on Sunday.

Lostock 119-1 Adlington 117, Lostock won by 9 wkts.